CM says that the difference between character and integrity is that integrity equals belief plus discipline and refers to It the vertebrae of the soul. Character adds wisdom to integrity and is what you are when no one is looking. Character always comes before conduct, because what we are determines what we do.
Unpacking the above, Solomon comes to mind. God chose Solomon to build His temple rather than King David. 1 Chronicles 28:3 “But God said unto me, Thou shalt not build an house for my name, because thou hast been a man of war, and hast shed blood.”
Before his death King David warned Solomon, 1 Chronicles 28:9 “And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the LORD searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off forever.”
When asked what he wanted, Solomon choose wisdom. 1 Kings 4:29-30, “29 And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart, even as the sand that is on the sea shore. 30 And Solomon's wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the children of the east country, and all the wisdom of Egypt.”
Solomon built the Temple. 2 Chronicles 5:14, “So that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud: for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of God.” The shanika glory filled the temple.
Solomon started out well, Proverbs 9:10, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.” Before his death Solomon had 700 wives and 300 columbines several of which lead him into idolatry. After his death, the kingdom was divided. First the Northern Kingdom fell and later the Southern Kingdom went into captivity. By this time the Shanika glory had departed the temple. Ezekiel 10:18, “Then the glory of the LORD departed from off the threshold of the house, and stood over the cherubims.”
The history of the divided kingdoms is a study in kings of good character and those who chased after other gods.
Given a choice between character and integrity, I would choose integrity. Character comes before conduct and lessons learned from the kings of Israel, their conduct often evidences poor character.
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